Tools

Dovecot Gmail API Compatible REST API

Open source and complementary to existing email IMAP and POP3 protocols

Dovecot OY, developer of open-source IMAP server software, has announced the release of a new REST API. The Dovecot REST API (DAPI) is compatible with the Gmail API, so developers can deploy apps written for Gmail to any other service provider. They will be able to do this without having to reprogram the app code, while maintaining the interoperability with the Gmail API.

"Dovecot implements the standard IMAP and POP3 protocols already, it doesn't create vendor lock-in, has no backdoors, and it guarantees standard compliance to current and future IMAP and other protocol and API implementations," said Timo Sirainen, creator and chief architect of Dovecot.

Closer integration of new third-party applications and message data will offer email users new services to improve the way data is handled and presented in mobile and Web apps and in Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

The Dovecot REST API complements existing email protocols such as IMAP and POP3, and gives users control over how applications access email data for dedicated functions instead of giving complete access to their email account.

"IMAP is a core Internet standard, and it still is the best email sync protocol available and is supported by all email clients, including billions of mobile devices already supporting IMAP by default," said Sirainen.

"Our job as an infrastructure company is to offer customers and developers easy access to email data, regardless of what device, app, or platform or protocol they want to use. The REST API is not a replacement for IMAP," said Sirainen. "It is targeted at developers who want to bring rich data from email to add extra functionality and features into new apps that are changing the way people use and perceive email related applications."

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